IMMIGRATION SERVICES
Humanitarian parole can allow a person to come to or remain in the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit.
Attorney James Betzold · 17+ years of experience · Nationwide service by phone or video
For Information Only
This page is general information to help you understand whether you might qualify. It is not legal advice. Every case is different, and only a legal consultation with Attorney James Betzold can determine whether you are eligible.
Humanitarian parole allows a person who would not otherwise be able to enter the United States to come here, or stay here, for a limited time. It exists for emergencies and special situations, such as a person who needs urgent medical care, a family member at the bedside of someone who is dying, or someone whose presence serves an important public purpose.
Parole is granted case by case, at the government’s discretion, and it is temporary. It is not a visa and not an immigration status. Below we explain who may qualify, the current status of country-specific programs that changed in 2025 and 2026, and a special type of parole for military families.
You may be a candidate for humanitarian parole if:
These are the two legal grounds for parole. Urgent humanitarian reasons usually involve time-sensitive situations, such as medical treatment not available in your country, the final illness or death of a family member, or a threat to your safety. Significant public benefit usually involves an interest of the United States, such as testifying in court or cooperating with an investigation.
No one is automatically entitled to parole. An officer weighs how urgent the situation is, whether other options exist, and any negative factors, and the requester must prove parole should be granted. USCIS reports a very high volume of requests and long processing times.
Parole is usually granted for a set period, often up to one year, and only for as long as the purpose requires. Parole ends when that period expires, when the person leaves the United States, or if the government ends it. A parolee is not considered “admitted” under immigration law. Parole does not, by itself, lead to a green card. In some cases, though, having been paroled can help a person qualify for another benefit later.
Many people do not request parole for themselves. A relative, friend, employer, religious group, or organization can request it on someone’s behalf. The person requesting does not have to be a U.S. resident or a family member. A person can also request parole for themselves.
In past years, the government created special parole programs for certain nationalities. Most of these have ended or been sharply limited:
Because these programs are changing so quickly, anyone who entered under one of them should get current legal advice before their parole or work permit expires.
Parole in place is a special form of parole for certain relatives of U.S. service members who are already in the United States but entered without being lawfully admitted. As of October 2026, it remains available. You may qualify if you are the spouse, widow or widower, parent, son, or daughter of:
Military parole in place is decided case by case, usually granted in one-year periods, and may be renewed. Importantly, it is only for people who entered without inspection. A relative who entered with a visa and overstayed is not eligible for parole in place but may be able to request a different form of discretionary relief. For many families, military parole in place can be an important step toward a green card through the family relationship.
“Keeping Families Together” is no longer available. In 2024, the government created a separate parole in place program for certain spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens, called “Keeping Families Together.” On November 7, 2024, a federal court in Texas vacated (struck down) that program. USCIS stopped accepting and deciding these requests. Spouses of U.S. citizens who are not connected to the military may still have other options, such as a family petition combined with a waiver.
If parole is granted, you may receive:
No. A visa is a travel document for a specific purpose. Parole is a discretionary permission to enter or remain temporarily for an urgent reason or public benefit. It is not a visa and not an immigration status.
Yes. A relative, friend, or organization can request parole on someone else’s behalf. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen or resident to make the request.
No. The CHNV programs for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans were terminated in 2025. Former beneficiaries should ask an attorney about other options.
The government terminated it in December 2025. A federal court has temporarily protected people who already had it, but the case is on appeal and the situation may change.
Yes. As of October 2026, USCIS continues to consider parole in place for eligible spouses, children, and parents of active-duty members, Selected Reserve members, and veterans who were not dishonorably discharged.
Not through the “Keeping Families Together” program, which a court struck down in November 2024. Military families may still qualify through military parole in place, and other spouses may have different options.
When a family emergency strikes or a parole program changes overnight, you need clear answers. Attorney James Betzold offers consultations by phone or video, anywhere in the United States. We will review your situation, explain whether humanitarian parole or another option may fit, and help you understand your next steps. Call +1 (833) 847-2335 today.
Sources: USCIS 1 · USCIS 2 · USCIS 3 · immpolicytracking.org · justiceactioncenter.org 1 · justiceactioncenter.org 2
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading this page, contacting our office, or scheduling a case evaluation does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every immigration case is different and depends on its own facts, history, and the law in effect at the time. Immigration laws, policies, and court decisions change often, and this information (current as of October 2026) may not reflect the most recent changes. Meeting a requirement described here does not mean you qualify or that any application will be approved. Eligibility can only be determined through a legal consultation with Attorney James Betzold, who will review your individual situation. Do not act, or decide not to act, based on this page alone. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
